Small Business Spotlight: Yesyal
This new downtown business is bringing hip-hop and streetwear to Mount Vernon
By: Julieta Larios
New in town is Yesyal, an independent record label and jack-of-all-trades company that collaborates with both local artists and musicians from outside Washington state. Founded by David “Mad Lung” Langston, the label aims to support emerging artists while bringing hip-hop and R&B culture to Mount Vernon.
Langston founded Yesyal in the early 1990s in California's Bay Area. At the time, the company's primary focus was music. As the business grew, it expanded to include merchandise and media production to further support artists signed to the Yesyal label.
After putting down roots in Washington and expanding its clientele, Yesyal decided to open a location in Mount Vernon to prioritize its apparel, with designs created entirely by Langston, and provide a physical space to meet with local artists.
“We made this into a hub where our folks can come grab what we offer, as far as our merch, and then talk to us about music,” said Langston.
While the independent record label works with a diverse range of artists and sounds, its main influences include feel-good hip-hop and story-driven R&B. Langston hopes the space will help propel the local music scene and introduce hip-hop culture to the greater Skagit and Seattle area.
“We want people to engage with the culture, like hip-hop and R&B, just the other side of what you don't really see out here,” said Langston. “You’ll see a lot of alternative or older groups making music, a lot of folk music, but you don’t see hip-hop or streetwear.”
Yesyal looks forward to expanding its footprint in downtown Mount Vernon, drawing inspiration from local businesses like El Sage. Langston also aims to build relationships with downtown business owners and artists who share a similar sound and vision.
Langston and his son, Myles West, an artist under Yesyal, are consistently out promoting the label, whether through venue events, appearances at fairs, or simply by wearing their merchandise.
“It’s really just meets and greets and pushing the music that kind of opens the door,” Langston said, explaining why he believes face-to-face promotion works best for Yesyal.
Looking ahead, Yesyal hopes to move into a larger space with more room for merchandise and dedicated areas for collaboration and video production. Langston and West also aspire to utilize the stage on the west side of the Skagit River to bring together the talented musicians Skagit County has to offer.
If you're interested in streetwear, are a musician, or are open to experiencing a different sound and culture, stop by Yesyal in downtown Mount Vernon.
Visit David and Myles at Yesyal!
300 S 1st St #203, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Wednesday-Saturday: 12 pm - 6 pm
